Organic Market Gardening 

Position: Organic Market Garden Worker
Type: age 30 & under (see below)
Organization: Glenora Farm
Position: Full-time, paid Field Hand (April 2025 to the end of September 2025, with the possibility of extension until December 2025 pending funding approval)

Location: Glenora Farm, near Duncan, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, BC
Accommodation: To be determined, it could be a private, self-contained unit on-site with electricity. Or a bedroom in a shared home. Shared bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and wifi nearby $250/month rent, incl. utilities.

The Farm:

Glenora Farm is a 97-acre mixed organic and Biodynamic farm on mostly sandy loam soils, consisting of 35 acres of pasture and hay fields, a flock of East Friesen dairy sheep, some Dexter beef cattle, chickens, turkeys, and ducks, a 2 acre organic intensive mixed annual vegetable and perennial garden, two hoop houses, large compost facility, herb garden, and an onsite day program (weaving, beeswax candles, herb processing, cooking, woodwork etc.) which adds value to the garden produce through processing for sale as crafts, health products, and food products.

The Farm is owned and operated by the Ita Wegman Association of British Columbia for Curative Education and Social Therapy and is one of two Camphill Communities in Western Canada, where adults with diverse abilities (Companions) live, work and learn together with support personnel (Coworkers). The Farm and Gardens primarily serve the food needs of this onsite community of ~50 people. We market our products at the local farmers’ market, through a local online farmers’ marketing cooperative (Cow-op.ca), via CSA boxes, and to various local grocery stores, restaurants, and food carts.

The Neighbourhood:

We’re located on relatively flat land, surrounded by trees, gentle hills, and small acreages. Within walking distance (2km) is a swimming lake (Keating Lake), hiking trails, a trailhead to the Trans Canada trail for endless walking/biking, and a corner store and cafe. Within 6km you’ll be in downtown Duncan with great food, entertainment, shopping, daily needs such as post office, drug stores, public library etc., and other amenities. All around Duncan are river swimming holes, beaches, trails, wineries, microbreweries, and striking natural beauty. We're 65 Km from Victoria to the south and 57 km to Nanaimo in the North.

Duties:

You will work alongside the Garden Manager, Coworkers, volunteers, and a crew of 4-8 people of diverse abilities. Main duties include:

• Field prep, amendment application, seedling care, transplanting, irrigation, weed/pest/disease/fertility management, pruning and training greenhouse crops, mulching, cover cropping, harvest, and post-harvest processing
• Compost turning and spreading
• Applying Biodynamic Preparations
• Small equipment and hand tool operation
• Infrastructure and tool maintenance, repair, and improvements
• Design/build projects as needed
• Field and sales record keeping and data entry
• Staffing the market stand, delivering produce to restaurants and wholesale customers
• Helping support Companions and Coworkers in their field work
• ”After hours” tasks such as shutting off irrigation, opening/closing facilities, frost and snow management in hoop houses, troubleshooting, and monitoring garden predator activity
• Maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing garden/farm appearance
• Supply runs, deliveries, and other farm tasks as needed

Qualifications:

• Prior farm/garden-related experience and/or keen interest in farming as a career
• University or college degree or diploma preferred
• Must be physically fit and enjoy hard physical work outdoors in all weather (frost, rain, wind, heat) for long hours, including extended bending and lifting heavy loads
• Basic experience with mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work preferred
• Excellent oral communication skills and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to balance efficiency and thoroughness in all tasks while maintaining a fast work pace
• Attention to detail, cleanliness, and good aesthetic sense
• Highly self-motivated, positive attitude, adaptable, and organized
• Ability to work calmly, prioritize tasks, and complete them under tight deadlines
• Ability to work well alone for long periods, as well as in a team
• Ability to troubleshoot problems with sometimes limited supervision
• Basic familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Willing and able to live respectfully and intensively with 50 other people on site including adults with diverse abilities, elders, and families with children.
• Valid Drivers’ license
• Must submit to and obtain a clear Criminal Record Check
• Tractor operation skills and experience are an asset but not required

Terms:

• Hours: 7-8 hours/day plus one hour unpaid lunch, 5 days/week, includes some “off-hours” work as needed. Early mornings required in July/August. 4 % Vacation pay is paid out on each biweekly pay cheques.
• Term: April 21, 2025 - September 30, 2025 (30-40 paid hours/week) guaranteed, with the possibility of an extension until December (pending funding approval).
• Wage: $18.40/ hour plus employer-paid contributions (EI, CPP, Worksafe BC, bi-weekly vacation pay).
• Accommodation: To be determined, it could be a private, self-contained unit on-site with electricity. Or a bedroom in a shared home. Shared bathroom, laundry, kitchen, and wifi nearby $250/month rent, incl. utilities.
• Food: Option to either buy all your own groceries, or share food costs and/or cooking with our Farm Manager and Garden Manager. You have access to free garden produce, farm meat and eggs for purchase at a substantial discount, and the other houses on-site will occasionally invite you for meals.
• Health and safety: We are a licensed care facility working with a vulnerable population. You must be willing and able to adhere to all health orders as mandated by the BC Health Authorities. While employed by the Ita Wegman Association (Glenora Farm), the Market Garden Worker will be required to adhere to our organizational policies, as well as health and safety plans.
• Other: Bring your own vehicle, or share a ride to town with another person from Glenora Farm. Bikes are available for use as well.

Who can apply:

We are a family-friendly, all abilities-friendly farm. A portion of this position is partially funded by a Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) grant. Funder stipulations require that candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Between 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at start of employment
• A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have been granted official refugee status
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

Another funding opportunity for this position is through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP). One of the following criteria must be met for this funding to be secured. It is an asset, but NOT a requirement that you meet one of the following to be hired for this position. Please indicate in your email whether you meet one of the following criteria. You do not need to indicate which one at this time.

• Indigenous
• Living with a physical disability
• Living with a diagnosed mental health disability
• Visible minority
• Recent immigrants (within 5 years)
• Living in a low-income household
• Being a single parent
• Being an early school leaver

How to Apply:

Applications are welcome until 9:00 am April 1, 2025. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Please send your resume, cover letter and confirmation that you meet the 3 funding eligibility criteria for Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ), and if you meet any of the criteria for (YESP) listed above to Taz Amir at gardener@glenorafarm.org .

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